Berkshire Orthopedics LLC

A Division of Keystone Orthopaedic Specialists, LLC

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All About Arthroscopic Meniscus Surgery

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In the knee joint, two thick, rubbery pieces of cartilage called the menisci help to provide stability, cushioning and shock absorbance. While these C-shaped bands are quite tough, they can be damaged or torn by forceful twisting motions, as well as worn down over time. With an acute meniscus injury, a patient may experience discomfort, swelling and/or loss of knee stability, depending on the severity. In certain cases, arthroscopic meniscus surgery may be recommended to help resolve symptoms, especially if conservative treatments aren’t delivering significant improvement. Let’s discuss this procedure, when it might be necessary and how it can be beneficial in further detail.

All About Arthroscopic Meniscus Surgery

Arthroscopic surgery is a cutting-edge orthopedic procedure – one of the most frequently performed each year in the United States. Insertion of a video camera by means of a tiny tube called an arthroscope through a small incision gives the orthopedic surgeon a clear view of the inside of the joint. By consulting images of the joint broadcast onto a screen, the surgeon can assess what needs to be done to repair the damage and alleviate the patient’s symptoms.

Once the injury has been evaluated, the orthopedic surgeon will then insert and use the necessary tools to facilitate healing and improve functionality of the joint. To treat a meniscus injury, the surgeon might trim away frayed pieces of cartilage, remove loose pieces or suture torn edges back to the proper spot.

For patients whose meniscus injuries are severe or have not responded to nonsurgical treatment, clear advantages of arthroscopic meniscus surgery (as compared to open surgery) often include:

  • Less trauma and scarring
  • Shortened healing period 
  • High success rates
  • Maximized chance of resuming normal activities in a timely fashion for young athletes 

Whether an individual is a good candidate for this procedure will depend on the particular location, size, severity and pattern of their meniscus injury – along with factors such as their age and activity level. In some cases, first-line treatments like ice therapy, time off from activities and pain relievers can satisfactorily address a meniscus injury.

Work Towards a Pain-Free Lifestyle with Treatment from Dr. Soffer

If you are experiencing knee pain that is interfering with your daily life, it may be time to visit an orthopedic specialist such as Dr. Soffer. Proudly serving patients of all ages throughout the Reading, PA area, Dr. Soffer is equipped with rigorous experience and skill in performing arthroscopic surgery and other advanced orthopedic procedures. He is board certified and fellowship trained in sports medicine by Dr. James Andrews.

To learn more about Dr. Soffer’s surgical and nonsurgical offerings for knee issues including meniscus tears, reach out to our office today at 610-375-4949 and request an appointment.

Shoulder Keeps Popping – No Pain Though? Possible Diagnoses

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From time to time, hearing a cracking or popping sound in your joints is perfectly normal. However, if you notice these sensations on a regular basis, it’s worth investigating the cause. If your shoulder keeps popping, no pain coming along with it may feel like a relief. But even without discomfort, shoulder popping could still indicate a condition that warrants your attention. Let’s explore some possible causes of this situation.

Shoulder Keeps Popping, No Pain: Possible Diagnoses

Being that the shoulder is a complex joint made up of many moving parts, shoulder injuries are unfortunately very common. If your shoulder begins to make a new or unusual noise and it’s accompanied by pain, swelling or other uncomfortable symptoms, you might understandably be alarmed. But, what might it mean if your shoulder keeps popping, no pain involved?

There are a number of possible reasons why your shoulder may pop, click or grind. Some common examples include:

  • Loose ligaments – If you’ve sustained a shoulder injury in the past, it may have caused the ligaments to become stretched, but not necessarily to the point of tearing. This can result in shoulder instability, or the joint moving farther forward or backward than normal, leading to the popping sound you hear.
  • Developing arthritis – With age and activity, the cartilage cushioning the bones in the shoulder joint can weaken, causing the bones to begin rubbing against one another. A classic sign of early shoulder arthritis, worn down cartilage may be the culprit behind one or both of your shoulders making a popping noise, even if it’s not specifically uncomfortable yet.
  • Bursitis – In the shoulder joint, small, fluid-filled sacs called the bursae help to condition and lubricate the space between the tissues and bones, facilitating smooth motion. When these sacs become inflamed – known as bursitis – a popping sensation can develop. 

If you notice that your shoulder is making a noise, your first instinct might be to ignore it and hope it goes away. But, because popping, clicking or cracking can be a sign that your shoulder is beginning to be affected by an injury or condition, it’s wise to see an orthopedic expert promptly to get insight into what is going on. 

Trust Dr. Soffer for World-Class Shoulder Treatment with a Local Feel 

If you’re concerned about new or worsening shoulder symptoms, look no further than Dr. Stephen Soffer for individualized, top-quality shoulder care in the Reading, PA area. Among his robust training and achievements, Dr. Soffer completed a sports medicine fellowship with esteemed orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews. 

Offering both surgical and nonsurgical treatments for various shoulder issues, Dr. Soffer can help you expertly address your symptoms in an appropriate manner based on your age, lifestyle and other personal factors. To schedule an appointment with him, call our office at 610-375-4949.

How Long to Recover from Partial ACL Tear? What to Expect

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The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) plays an important role in stabilizing the knee joint. When this ligament is torn, as commonly occurs during athletic activities, it can be very uncomfortable and may impact the overall functionality of the affected knee. The severity of one’s symptoms and their best path to recovery will depend heavily on whether their ACL is partially or fully torn, along with other individual factors. Today, we’ll focus on what a patient can generally expect in terms of how long to recover from partial ACL tear and what level of treatment might be needed.

How Long to Recover from Partial ACL Tear? What to Expect

When the ACL becomes stretched and loose but is not totally torn, this is known as a partial ACL tear. Depending on the specifics of the injury, a partial ACL tear may or may not cause knee instability. Either way, it is likely to result in pain, swelling and discomfort when walking. 

From patient to patient, how long to recover from partial ACL tear can vary. With conservative treatment, it is possible for a partial ACL tear to be resolved – typically within a few weeks – without surgery. First-line treatment strategies for mild or moderate ACL damage might include:

  • Resting
  • Taking anti-inflammatory medications as needed
  • Performing physical therapy exercises to strengthen the knee and increase mobility
  • Wearing a knee brace 

If a patient’s partial ACL tear involves knee instability or occurs along with another injury, such as an MCL or meniscus tear, surgical reconstruction is more likely to be necessary. When surgery is needed, arthroscopic ACL reconstruction is typically the preferred method due its minimally invasive nature. As compared to traditional “open” surgery, this option is known to come with reduced scarring, minimized risk of side effects and a shorter, more comfortable recovery period. 

Following ACL reconstruction surgery, patients should plan to wear a supportive brace & use crutches for around three weeks and to follow a physical therapy program for between 2-6 months.

See Dr. Soffer for World-Class Knee Care in Reading, PA

If you are experiencing symptoms of a torn ACL or another knee injury, you can depend on Dr. Stephen Soffer to provide expert diagnosis and treatment. Having completed rigorous training including a sports medicine fellowship with Dr. James Andrews, Dr. Soffer is one of the nation’s leading orthopedic specialists. He offers a full range of knee therapies, prioritizing conservative and minimally invasive treatment whenever possible. To arrange an appointment with Dr. Soffer at our office in Berks County, PA, call 610-375-4949.

Torn MCL: Treatment, Recovery Timeline and More

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Abbreviated as MCL, the medial collateral ligament is a crucial structure that helps to support the knee, keeping it mobile but not to the point that it loses stability. This ligament is tough, but it may be subject to tearing if the outer portion of the knee receives hard impact. MCL tears can vary in severity, and the most appropriate torn MCL treatment will depend heavily on the “grade” of the tear: 1, 2 or 3. Let’s go into more detail on common MCL tear treatment options and what can generally be expected when recovering from different grades of this injury.

Torn MCL: Treatment, Recovery Timeline and More

  • Grade 1 – Characterized by a partial tear of the ligament, grade 1 MCL tears are the most minor. A patient with this injury may feel slight pressure and discomfort inside the knee, but these symptoms can typically be resolved in around 2-4 weeks with conservative treatments like resting and taking anti-inflammatory medication to manage pain.
  • Grade 2 – A grade 2 MCL tear is also an incomplete (partial) tear, but with more severe symptoms than a grade 1 injury. An individual with this moderate type of MCL injury is likely to experience significant pain and swelling as well as knee instability. Thus, recovery may take 4-6 weeks or longer. Symptoms may be managed with medication and physical therapy exercises while the patient wears a knee brace to keep weight off the affected knee and speed healing. 
  • Grade 3 – A completely torn MCL is classified as grade 3. Surgical MCL repair may be recommended to address symptoms of this injury, which may include trouble bending the knee, difficulty walking and ongoing pain & swelling. An ACL tear is often sustained along with a grade 3 MCL tear, in which case there will be an increased likelihood of surgical treatment being necessary to restore knee functionality. 

The most appropriate torn MCL treatment method and resulting rehabilitation time will vary depending on the patient’s particular injury, but individuals with a complete MCL tear should anticipate a 2-6 week recovery. 

Resolve Your Knee Issues at Dr. Soffer’s Office 

The knee is a complex joint which calls for professional, individualized care. Holding certification from the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, Dr. Stephen Soffer is highly qualified to treat knee injuries, including all severities of MCL and ACL tears. 

As part of his training, Dr. Soffer completed a sports medicine fellowship with Dr. James Andrews, a renowned orthopedic surgeon. If you are experiencing lingering knee discomfort, call our office at 610-375-4949 to schedule an appointment for expert diagnosis and treatment by Dr. Soffer in Berks County, PA.

How Long After Total Knee Replacement Can You Walk?

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If a patient suffers from ongoing knee pain and reduced mobility, there are a variety of conservative treatments they may try to help manage their condition and promote healing. But unfortunately, these first-line options may not offer full relief in certain cases. Depending on the specifics of a patient’s knee issue, total knee replacement (TKR) surgery may be necessary. Naturally, when considering this procedure, a patient may wonder: How long after total knee replacement can you walk? Let’s discuss the typical recovery timeline following knee replacement surgery.

How Long After Total Knee Replacement Can You Walk?

Upon completion of total knee replacement surgery, you’ll begin physical therapy to strengthen and mobilize your knee right away by standing up and walking for brief periods. You’ll likely be in the hospital for 1-2 days, where you’ll receive instructions on how to safely move around and use assistive devices such as crutches or a walker.

In the days and weeks to follow, you’ll focus on gradually increasing your amount of physical activity. Here are some guidelines for what to expect throughout your recovery, in terms of how long after total knee replacement can you walk and resume other activities:

  • Within 2-3 weeks post surgery, you should be able to walk a short distance – or for around 10 minutes – without depending on a mobility aid. 
  • About 4-6 weeks after surgery, you’ll likely be cleared to go back to work as normal, if you have a sedentary occupation. However, if your job requires a significant amount of walking or standing, you may be advised to wait up to three months to return.
  • By week 12, many patients report a drastic improvement in their knee symptoms, including restored range of motion and knee stability, plus little or no pain with activity. Depending on your specific level of healing, you may be cleared to do any and all of your favorite physical activities again by this point.

In order to speed your rehabilitation and get the maximum benefits from total knee replacement surgery, it’s crucial to closely follow the post-surgery plan provided by your orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist. These directions will be designed to help protect and strengthen your knee and to promote the most successful possible outcome.

Address Your Knee Discomfort & Dysfunction with Dr. Soffer

Eager to return to a fulfilling lifestyle with no more knee pain? Dr. Soffer offers cutting-edge knee care for patients in and around Reading, PA. His extensive training includes a sports medicine fellowship with world-famous sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews, and he has successfully performed knee surgery on numerous patients. He also offers a full range of nonsurgical treatment options for various knee injuries and conditions. To learn more about Dr. Soffer and schedule an appointment with him, call our office at 610-375-4949.

Arthritis in Elbow Joint: Treatment and Recovery Info

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Elbow arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, weakness and limited range of motion in the elbow joint, making it difficult to perform your everyday activities, job or hobbies. If you are being impacted by these symptoms, you may wonder about arthritis in elbow joint treatment modalities you might try to help ease them. Let’s discuss elbow arthritis therapies offered by Dr. Soffer in Reading, PA, along with what to expect in terms of recovery time.

Arthritis in Elbow Joint: Treatment and Recovery Info

If you are dealing with any type of elbow arthritis – whether it’s rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or post-traumatic arthritis – seeking professional treatment as soon as possible is key to maximize your chances of successfully managing your symptoms with conservative treatment.

Typically, nonsurgical methods of arthritis in elbow joint treatment are recommended to start out. These might include:

  • Avoiding activities that irritate your elbow
  • Using heat and ice therapy to reduce swelling and stiffness
  • Taking pain-relieving medications
  • Wearing an elbow brace or splint to support the joint
  • Getting cortisone injections to help with discomfort 

In the event that these initial treatment options fail to significantly improve elbow function and alleviate pain, an orthopedic expert may recommend surgical treatment. Surgery can be used to remove loose bodies and adhesions (scar tissue) as well as the bone spurs.

Whether arthroscopic or open surgery is more appropriate will depend on individual factors like the type & severity of arthritis, along with age & activity level. Dr. Soffer prioritizes arthroscopic surgery whenever possible because it is minimally invasive and generally comes with a shorter recovery process than open surgery. Even so, keep in mind that recovering from arthroscopic elbow surgery can still take weeks to months. Based on your individual case, Dr. Soffer can provide a more detailed view of what to expect in terms of your rehabilitation timeline.

See Dr. Soffer for Cutting-Edge Elbow Treatment 

If you’re eager to find relief for lingering elbow symptoms through individualized treatment, depend on Dr. Soffer to deliver top-notch care. As a testament to his expertise, Dr. Soffer coauthored the first elbow arthroscopy textbook published in the U.S. alongside Dr. James Andrews. Today, he proudly offers a full range of advanced surgical and nonsurgical treatments for elbow arthritis and other orthopedic conditions. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Soffer, call our Reading, PA area office at 610-375-4949.

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